NH Opens Swine Flu Vaccine To Public

12/18/09 6:06AM

The swine flu vaccine is now available to the
general public in New
Hampshire.

The state had been targeting the vaccine to
the most at-risk populations and expanding eligibility gradually over the last
two months. Public health director Dr. Jose Montero said Thursday that everyone
over the age of six months will now be allowed to get vaccinated, either
through health care providers or public clinics.

Montero said officials also hope to start
distributing the vaccine to pharmacies soon so they can hold their own clinics.
Doses also are being sent to nursing homes and prisons.

Nine people have died in New Hampshire of complications related to swine flu. The state is
one of 14 still reporting widespread flu-like illnesses, though the numbers are
dropping.